Anthony J. “Tony” Franco, 69, of Durham passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the MidState Medical Center, Meriden with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 48 years to Phyllis Capasso Franco. Tony was born in New Haven on October 7, 1944; son of the late James and Maria Grace DeStefano Franco; was a graduate of Eli Whitney and obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven. Tony had worked for Lux Time Clock, Jacobs Manufacturing and Goodrich Corporation. An avid baseball player and enthusiast, he was inducted in the UNH Baseball Hall of Fame having pitched a perfect game, but most importantly Tony truly enjoyed watching his beloved grandchildren playing hockey, softball and baseball, and was named “The Poppy in Centerfield”. Father of Jody Garcia (Trevor), Tony Franco (Mary) and Jill Bystrek (Vincent). Grandfather of Brooke, Tyler, Anthony and Lexi. Brother of James Franco and the late Marie Miranda, Judi Arjarvich, Peter, Gus and Nick Franco.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, North Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 6 PM. The family asked to please omit flowers and memorial contributions, just remember Tony in your prayers.
We will keep Tony and Family in our prayers.Your heart felt condolences he will be missed.
I am at a loss for words. I am so very sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to the entire Franco family. I've lived next to the Franco's for years and still do. I have enjoyed seeing Tony outside mowing his lawn. He always made his yard look amazing with of course the help from his wife. Every time I was outside and so was he he would stop what he was doing to say hello. I even helped him out cutting the very end of his lawn after Hurricane Sandy because he couldn't get down to that end and he repay the compliment by picking up branches from his tree that fell in my parents yard. He will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. My love to each of you.
Cousin Diane
My condolences to Cousin Phillis and Tony's entire family. Tony will be remembered in prayers, and Masses of the Jesuit Fathers California Province of the Society of Jesus.
Our condolences to the Franco family.
A remarkable man Mr. Franco, who was a staple at every game I new him. He always was happy to talk to you. He will be missed on the sideline of the field but not in our hearts.
RIP Mr.Baseball
So sorry to hear about Tony, he was a great neighbor. Will miss seeing him cut his grass with his little lawn mower, he really kept the place looking beautiful.
Figured something was wrong, when we didn't see him out there and there were no cars in the driveway. Had hoped he was just on vacation; but alas, we were wrong.
God bless everyone, keep safe.
Just learned of this minutes ago. Jody, you and your family will be in my prays tonight that this sadness will soon turn in to sweet memories. We will all be together again one day.
Love Peace Happiness